Printing patterns at actual size
The most common problem with home-printed patterns is “it printed the wrong size.” Almost always the cause is the printer's automatic shrink-to-fit. Here's how to print at true actual size and confirm it worked.
1. Why patterns print the wrong size
PDF and browser print dialogs often default to “Fit to page” / “Shrink oversized pages”, which scales the artwork down a few percent to fit the margins. Even a few millimetres of shrink changes the fit of a garment or bag.
The fix is simple: set the scale to 100% (actual size) and turn off any fit options.
2. The correct print settings
Chrome / Edge
- Set the destination to your printer (or “Save as PDF”).
- Open More settings and set Scale → Custom → 100 (the “Default” option can silently shrink).
- Uncheck “Fit to page / Fit to printable area”.
- Confirm the paper size is correct (Letter in the US, A4 elsewhere) and print.
Firefox / Preview (Mac)
- Set Scale to 100%.
- Turn off “Shrink to fit” / “Scale to fit”.
✏️ To save as PDF, choose “Save as PDF” and still set 100% — you can then print at actual size later, even at a copy shop.
3. Always check the calibration box
Even with the right settings, a printer's margin handling can shrink things slightly, so measure after printing.
Every Katagami pattern includes a 50 mm calibration box and a 0–100 mm ruler on the first guide sheet. Measure the box with a ruler: if it is exactly 50 mm (about 2 in), you're good to go.
- 50 mm → print is correct
- 48–49 mm → fit-to-page is still on; recheck 100% scale
- Too big → remove any enlargement setting
4. Still not right? Checklist
- Printer driver scaling: the OS/driver dialog may have its own “fit to page”. Turn it off too.
- Borderless mode: borderless printing can enlarge the image — use normal printing.
- Wrong paper size: printing A4 data on Letter (or vice-versa) shrinks it. Match the data to the paper — in Katagami, choose your paper in the tool.
- Printing from a phone: many apps can't set scale. Save to PDF first, then print.
Frequently asked questions
- It still prints the wrong size at 100%.
- Your printer driver may also have a “fit to page” option. Turn off scaling in both the browser/app and the driver, then measure the calibration box to confirm.
- The calibration box measures about 48 mm.
- That's roughly 4% shrink, usually from fit-to-page. Always set the scale to exactly 100% (Custom), not the default option.
- Can I print at a copy shop?
- Yes. Save as PDF at 100%, then print “actual size / 100%” on the shop's machine. Check the calibration box the same way.
Draft a pattern in your own size and print it at actual size on Letter or A4.
Open the pattern tool →